Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and Air Canada Cargo are supporting wildfire relief efforts in Northern Ontario.
Working alongside long-time humanitarian partner GlobalMedic, Air Canada Cargo recently transported 140 fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay to help equip firefighters responding to active wildfires across the region.
"Air Canada Cargo is honoured to partner with GlobalMedic to move essential firefighting equipment to Thunder Bay (YQT) to support efforts in fighting the wildfires in Ontario,” said Sebastian Cosgrove, Director, Global Customer Service, Air Canada Cargo.
“Fourteen local fire departments will benefit from the fire-resistant coveralls and other goods while they actively protect northern communities in Ontario from these devastating wildfires."
Beyond moving protective equipment, Air Canada is also helping transport GlobalMedic teams to communities across Northern Ontario, enabling the organization to deliver emergency assistance and specialized Fire Skid Units to rural and volunteer fire departments.
The Fire Skid Units are designed to convert pickup trucks into rapid-response firefighting vehicles, increasing the capacity of local departments to respond to wildfire threats. Since the program launched in August 2023, GlobalMedic has distributed more than 700 Fire Skid Units across Canada and continues to provide additional support to departments battling fires in affected regions.
"We are grateful to our partners at Air Canada for their support,” said Rahul Singh, Executive Director, GlobalMedic.
“They fly our teams and carry our aid to places around the world. Today it’s a mission in our home. Air Canada has helped to fly GlobalMedic team members and fire-resistant coveralls to Thunder Bay. One hundred and forty firefighters will receive this gear to better equip them to fight these fires."
GlobalMedic is also providing assistance to wildfire evacuees through wellness checks, mobile clinic services, emergency snacks and hygiene supplies. As recovery efforts continue, the organization said it will also support local food banks and other community recovery initiatives in the months ahead.
The relief effort has also drawn support from Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association (NOTO), which are helping raise awareness of wildfire relief and recovery efforts.
The Air Canada Foundation has launched an employee fundraising campaign in support of GlobalMedic's wildfire response. Funds raised will help provide additional Fire Skid Units, protective equipment for firefighters, assistance for evacuees and longer-term community recovery initiatives.
Air Canada said it remains prepared to continue supporting humanitarian partners as wildfire activity persists in several regions across Canada.
Topics From This Article to Explore
